Installing a Small Wind Energy System. John Patten Director, Manufacturing Research Western Michigan University

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1 Installing a Small Wind Energy System John Patten Director, Manufacturing Research Western Michigan University

2 DOE Small Wind Turbines < 100 kw ( kw) Entegrity 15/50 50 kw, feet Skystream kw, feet Northwind kw, 121 feet

3 Wind Turbine Install Guide Based on experience of KVCC and Western Michigan University

4 Will Project be viable? Relate project to mission KVCC and WMU are educational Institutions leading by example Define project goals Educate and Train on wind turbine design, manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance Evaluate financial feasibility Extended payback based on energy savings alone Consider Sustainability and Green Aspect Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS)

5 General project planning Analyze the wind resource Wind speed and direction Site specific issues wind shade analysis, other issues (terrain, etc.) Analyze utility loads and consumption Size of Turbine Proximity to utility transmission or campus distribution Permit requirements Feasibility of hiring wind developer

6 Michigan s wind resources and it s rich manufacturing history positions the state to be a key player in Wind power in the future Kalamazoo Valley Community College and WMU are taking action now to be able to meet the wind education and training needs of tomorrow

7 100 meter map Michigan

8 General project planning Proximity to utility transmission or campus distribution Internal use vs. selling power, net metering Planning for future additional turbines Permit requirements Township siting and zoning FAA Utility Interconnection Agreement

9 Generating Support Within the organization and community Board level down Leverage location Leverage for outreach, education and training Within the external community Funding Utility Community pride State benefits Training partnerships

10 Example Timeline WMU Idea generation Approvals Research Purchase Construction Operation March April May June July August

11 Timeline for KVCC Project Research & Development Jan May 2008 Board Approval/ RFP May July Feasibility Study Aug October Permitting Process October November Construction Process November January 2009 Commission Process February 2009

12 Choosing a turbine provider RFP Process Develop Specific questions Vetting the Manufacturers Interviews important Credit concerns Experience/quality Importance of Due Diligence Who produced power curve? Has it been independently validated? Interview other current customers Importance of regional presence Site visits, references Realities of Industry Limited number of US players Growing young Industry

13 Feasibility Study Phase Soil borings and Geo Technical study Will soil hold turbine Choosing the site Environment, wind, proximity to power source key Understanding Costs Turbine, tower, permitting, construction, electrical, installation, maintenance Understanding ROI Relate to primary goal and secondary goal training benefit vs. energy savings, green energy credits Meeting permitting requirements Township Zoning FAA Turbine and crane Utility Interconnection agreement Other Issues renewable energy certificates/credit Bonding the contractor

14 Construction Phase Foundation Issues Water lines Time of year Type of Soil Ordering the Tower Size, rungs, transporting, coordinating with turbine Ordering the Turbine Payment schedule Getting in the queue Coordinating with tower delivery and installation Coordinating delivery and install Crane and other equipment Clearing and preparing the site Unforeseen Issues Trees, birds, bats Zoning special meeting

15 Installation and Commissioning Phase Issues to consider Receiving & storage of components Safety and Insurance Coordination of construction Roads, noise, school disruption, utility disruption

16 Operational performance and issues Actual power offset data vs. expectations Measuring operability Turbine cut in speed Mechanical Issues Working with your monitoring/maintenance company Important vendor agreement items Maintenance & Extended maintenance

17 Making the most of the turbine Integrating into business Leverage the turbine How to talk about turbine Great green statement (are RECS being sold?) Who to inform about project State Federal Utilities Industry Prospective students How to leverage project for future Host energy events, seminars, workshops Begin other alternative energy programs Partnership with wind turbine companies

18 The future is here today!

19 Some useful links web cam: New wind turbine site: Alt/Renew Energy Web Site: Old wind turbine site:

CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO INVESTING IN SMALL WIND SYSTEMS

CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO INVESTING IN SMALL WIND SYSTEMS Stephen B. Harsh Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics State University Copyright 2016 Energy Meeting, 2016 FOCUS OF PRESENTATION